Ch. 3

"So, how was school today?" my mom asks as she wanders in the room. "Wasn't this the start of that program or something?"

I look up from the couch, surprised. I didn't think she'd even remember. "Good, I guess. Kyle Rennet's in my class."

"Who?"

"You know, Kyle. You dated his dad, Tim about seven or eight years ago." I try not to roll my eyes. Sometimes my mom makes it hard for me not to think badly of her.

"Oh..." she says, kind of sketchily. I'm not sure she actually remembers. "How's he doing?"

"Kyle's fine, a gym rat, really muscular, and his dad's got some new girlfriend who Kyle can't stand. Apparently she's pretty young."

"Well, you know men," she answers vaguely, as she wanders out of the room.

Great talking to you, mom.

It feels weird to have so much spare time in the evenings. Last semester I had hours worth of homework, actually every semester I've had a ton, but I'm pretty sure that's not going to be the case this time around. I'm not really sure what to do with myself, so I flip through the channels on the tv looking for something to watch.

After two hours of reality programs on the Discovery Channel, my mom wanders back through, phone and keys in hand. She's gotten herself all tarted up, short skirt, tight shirt, assets on full display.

"I'm going out with Paul now, see you later," she gives me a big wink. Ugh.

I pass the time trying to gather up some of my old gear. Most of it is in a box in my closet, and I find a set of binoculars, lantern, pocket knife, compass and my boots. I guess I haven't worn my boots in a few years—not since I quit Scouts, and fuck my life, they're too small. Well shit.

...............................

The morning is cold and grey, and I pull my coat tighter around me while I wait for the tell tale rumble of the bus. After a minute or two of freezing winds, it careens into view. A belch of exhaust, a screech of brakes, and it pulls up.

"Hey Justin," Kyle greets me as I climb on the bus, pointing to the seat across from him at the back.

"Hey."

"So, what do you think so far?"

"Of what?"

"Our class. What do you think I mean?"

"I dunno, it seems fine to me."

"Seriously, what did you do to get stuck with us?"

"I don't know. Mr. Sway asked me to join after my physics exam last week. I need my community service hours," I offer lamely.

"Maybe, but you still don't seem like you belong with us. I mean I almost got expelled."

"Yeah, but you aren't an idiot, Kyle. You can do something after high school."

"I never said anyone in our class is an idiot. In fact, I've had classes or detention with most of them and they're all pretty smart. It's just you aren't like the rest of us. You have a real chance of getting out."

"And going where? With what money?" I respond, hating that he's telling me something I already know. That once again, I don't fit in. "You said yourself, my mom's a giant whore, I'm from a crappy neighbourhood. Just because my grades are decent doesn't mean I'm going anywhere, Kyle."

"Relax, Justin. I didn't mean it in a bad way. I just meant that maybe you're destined for better things than the school board's low rent outward bound."

"I've always liked camping, and this way I can get all my artsy credits and community service out of the way."

"I forgot about you and camping. All I was going to say was not to worry, I've got your back if you need it. Some of the guys in there can be pretty rough, and well, you aren't."

I try not to get my back up because I know Kyle doesn't mean it that way, even though he makes me sound like a complete wuss. "Thanks, man."

"No prob, Bro. After all, we were like brothers for a few months there." Kyle shrugs and slaps me on the back.

....................

A new day, but still the same terrible smell in the portable with a touch more mustiness. This morning, Mr. Sway and Ms. Francis are waiting for our arrival. The room also has a pile of nylon expedition packs in the corner that weren't there yesterday.

"And then there was fifteen," Ms. Francis says ominously, rubbing her hands together once we're all seated. "Chris won't be returning, so let that be a message to you all. Yes, we have funding, lunches, and five credits, but screw up and you're gone. Woodson only allows us to exist if we have results, so no more screw ups." She looks at all of us, trying to make eye contact with everyone.

"You may have noticed that there is gear in here today," Mr Sway starts. "We are going to start our hike training tomorrow, so today we all need to get fitted with packs. These ones are owned by the program, and are in good working order. They will be yours for the semester unless you have one of your own. Do not destroy them because they are expensive to replace. Any questions?"

"How are we going to hike? I mean it's February," Julia points out.

"We have our first camping trip in three weeks," Mr. Sway responds. "We start out by hiking in the school to build stamina. Today we assign packs, tomorrow we train."

The class is stunned into silence for a second or two before all hell breaks loose. I sit back and observe as some of the people completely flip their shit. Looking around, I realize that most of the students are completely shocked, which seems odd because it is an outdoors class. Did they just expect we'd be waiting for months until the weather was better?

Ms. Francis whistles loudly to get everyone's attention. "Alright. Does anyone have winter camping experience? I mean besides Sway and I?"

I raise my hand and look around. Apparently I'm the only one.

"Fine. Justin, tell us the most important rule about winter camping."

I think for a moment, not sure I can really think of a specific rule, "Don't get cold?" I offer.

"No shit, Captain Obvious," Tom shoots me a derisive look, his eyes flashing with distaste.

"Care to explain yourself?" Ms. Francis prompts. "Elaborate a little?"

All eyes are on me, and I hate it. "uh, well, uh," I mumble, then clear my throat and try again. "Well, you want to dress in layers for insulation and to prevent heat loss. Wear a hat at all times, including for sleeping. Keep your boots and socks close, even in your sleeping bag, to prevent cold feet in the morning. Always make sure you keep fingers warm, using mittens rather than gloves to conserve heat. If something is wet, remove it and replace it with something dry right away."

"All great answers and correct, too," Mr. Francis praises. "Did you get cold when you were out?"

"Not really. As long as you dress properly, it's not too big a deal," I answer with a shrug.

"Exactly. Now let's get on those packs."

...................................

At lunch, we sit as a class in the cafeteria. By the time we are eating, most of the students are in their afternoon classes.

"So, 95," Tom slides into the spot across from me. "How does a hot shit like you get stuck with crap like us?"

"Lay off, Tom. I told you, he's not any different from the rest of us," Kyle comes to my defence again, which is odd, because it's essentially the same argument that he and I had on the bus this morning.

"Yeah, right. I heard. His mom's a whore, he lives in a shit neighbourhood. That doesn't make him any different. Right." Tom rolls his eyes and tosses his hair. "Still doesn't explain how Mr. Privilege has all this experience."

"My friend's dad took me out with them until they moved, then one of my mom's boyfriends signed me up for Scouts. It got me out of the house so they could have more alone time."

"Aww, poor little baby," his mocking tone sets me over the edge.

Anger and hurt in my voice, "What the fuck is your problem, Tom? What have I ever done to you?" My fists are clenched and so is my jaw.

"You exist," his steely gaze meets my eyes and it's like he's slaying me. As angry as I am, I can't hold eye contact any longer, so I break first. I look down.

"Gentlemen, don't start a fight and get yourselves kicked out," Jen reminds us.

"Stop being a dick, Tom," Kyle says with a guffaw. The tension is broken, everyone resumes eating.

.........................

The afternoon was hot and sweaty.

After doing some environmental science assignment, our teachers take us to the weight room with our packs.

"Okay. Everyone grab twenty pounds worth the weight," Ms. Francis gestures towards the free weights. After a few minutes of grumbling, everyone has the right amount.

"Now put it in your pack and do it up," Mr. Sway directs. "Once that's done, put your pack on and adjust the straps. You might need to help each other out for this part."

More grumbling. I hoist my pack on, tightening the shoulder straps, then do up the hip strap. Some of the class is struggling, so I walk over to offer help and Julia takes me up on the offer.

"I have no clue what I'm doing here. Thanks, Justin." She slips the shoulder straps on while I hold her pack up for her.

"You'll be fine, it just takes some practice." I tighten the straps then help with the hip strap.

"Is this one really necessary?"

"When you're carrying a full pack the hip strap helps support the weight easier, it keeps your bag from aching. I promise, it's the best idea." A few of the others hear me explain it to her and do up their straps, too.

"Okay everyone! Time to hike." Mr Sway and Ms. Francis lead us out the door to the stairwell next to the gym and we start walking the stairs. After ten minutes all of us are breathing pretty hard, and a few people are barely moving.

"How is this fucking hiking?" Tom grumbles.

"When we are out in the woods, the path is seldom flat. We need to be in shape in three weeks, so we will be walking with weight every day. Make sure you're prepared," Mr. Sway informs us, ignoring Tom's swearing and leading us back to the portable when we're finished.

Tired and sweaty we all take our seats and drink from the water bottles being passed around.

Ms. Francis , "You're all going to need to break in hiking boots, and we've arranged for a great deal through a corporate partner. Tomorrow we are going on a field trip in the morning to get hiking boots at a cost of twenty dollars."

The idea of proper hiking boots is fantastic—obviously I need some, and twenty dollars is a total bargain, but I'm not sure I can get the cash for tomorrow. Surveying the other students, I'm sure I'm not the only one in this boat. I can see looks of unease flitting across more than a few other faces. Tom is in a full out sneer, his lips curling.

Fortunately Ms. Francis explains more. "I know that some of you might not be able to bring in the money tomorrow, and if that's the case there will be opportunities to work off the amount over the course of the semester. We will grow plants in the school greenhouse and sell them to help offset the costs of materials for the program and can make up a work roster based on the money needed."

"Seniors, you are responsible for determining the type of plants we need, the quantities, and costing it out. That will be your first project for the semester and it has to be done by Friday. Juniors and sophomores will do labour."

"Okay, that's all for today. Any questions?"